Mounted police were needed to clear fans from the Ashton Gate pitch, while officers in riot gear and stewards had to separate fans in the stands.

This morning, officers from Avon and Somerset Police carried out dawn raids in Bristol, Bath and Somerset to arrest fans involved in the disorder.

Twenty-three arrests were made, bringing the total number of arrests in relation to the match to 50.

Chief Inspector Paul Mogg, silver commander for the operation, said: 'Today’s operation sends out a powerful message to a small minority intent on causing problems at football games.

'You might think you are anonymous in
the crowd and no one can see your anti-social behaviour and actions but
think about it next time because 50 people in our cells had the same
thought.

Dangerous: Police and stewards had to be on-hand to keep supporters at bay

'We are showing the red card to those
intent on causing football disorder and violence in Avon and Somerset
and will now put these people before the courts.

'Successful convictions should result in football banning orders, which will mean they will no longer be able to attend games or follow their national side abroad.'

Since the match, investigators have been examining hours of CCTV coverage and mobile phone images to identify who committed offences including public disorder, assaulting police officers and invading the pitch.

Photographs of more than 20 people police wanted to speak to in connection with the incidents were published, leading to around half coming forward and further arrests.

Thirty suspects were arrested before the dawn raids, which involved officers executing early morning warrants to detain both Bristol City and Bristol Rovers fans who had not handed themselves in.

Crackdown: Police made 12 arrests and horses were used to clear the pitch of supporters

Joy: Local boy Joe Bryan netted the winner for Bristol City

A spokesman for the force said: 'Within the first 30 minutes of the operation, 10 people had been arrested, including many well-known hooligans.

'Additionally some people we wanted to arrest contacted us to say they would hand themselves in to their local police station.

'We work closely with Bristol City and Bristol Rovers through our dedicated football liaison officers as well as colleagues at the UK Football Policing Unit.

'Already a 32-year-old man who was arrested during the Bristol City/Bristol Rovers game on September 4 has appeared in court. James Bendall from Bristol admitted throwing a missile and going on to the pitch.

'He was fined a total of £500 and given a three-year football banning order.'

Cheap shot: A City fan has a few words for Rovers goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall on the pitch

Speaking after the match, City manager Sean O’Driscoll said: 'The scenes at the end were disgraceful. It’s taking the shine off a good victory for us. That’s what people will be talking about - not the game.

'What’s happened is what we didn’t want to happen and the players are all disappointed as well.

'The game was played in a good spirit, competitive and not over-zealous, and we wanted the supporters to act in the same manner. Unfortunately, they didn’t.'